Nail technicians use use their creativity and skill to enhance the appearance of their clients' finger nails. They apply false nails and nail extensions and decorate them using a variety of techniques.

A nail technician will start by checking their client's nails for signs of skin or nail disease, which would mean extensions or false nails should not be applied. They will then discuss the most suitable type of nail extension and options for decoration. Next, the nail technician will:

• clean their client's nails
• manicure their client's nails
• apply false nails or extensions
• decorate the nails using coloured varnish, gems or glitter. 

Nail technicians may also paint designs onto the nails with an airbrush, either free-hand or using a stencil.

Health and safety is extremely important when working with varnishes and chemicals. Nail technicians must make sure they use and store their materials correctly. They must also use tools correctly and follow strict hygiene procedures to prevent damage or infection to their client's natural nails.

Hours and Environment

As a nail technician you will normally work around 37 hours a week, often including weekends and evenings.You may work alone, or in a salon with other technicians, beauticians, hairdressers or therapists. If you work in a salon you will normally wear a uniform.

You will have the opportunity to be self-employed, working from home or visiting clients in their own homes.

Skills and Interests

To be a nail technician you should:

• enjoy working with people
• be tactful and discrete when dealing with customers
• be artistic and creative
• be patient, well organised and methodical
• be prepared to keep rigidly to health and safety procedures
• have an interest in, and keep up to date with, fashion trends.

Entry

In most areas of the country there are no minimum qualifications to be a nail technician, although professional salons are likely to expect you to have NVQ/SVQ qualifications.

You could start your career by taking the NVQ Level 1 in Beauty Therapy, which is designed for trainees and other salon staff working as therapists' assistants. It gives an insight into the whole of the beauty therapy industry.

Other relevant qualifications include:

• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Nail Services for junior nail technicians
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Nail Services for senior/salon nail technicians.

These are awarded by City and Guilds, VTCT and Edexcel (see Further Information below).

If you plan to set up your own business, your local authority may ask you to gain a license from the local environmental health department. Qualifications for licensing vary - some authorities will accept any nationally recognised qualification, while others will insist that you have an NVQ/SVQ.

You can study nail techniques in many local and private colleges without having any previous qualifications, although some colleges may expect you to have done a course in manicure before studying advanced nail techniques.

For general information on career paths, NVQs/SVQs and apprenticeships within the hair and beauty industry, see the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) site in Further Information below. Please note that HABIA do not provide courses and are not able to supply lists of course providers.

Training

Once you are working as a nail technician you could specialise in a specific area, such as nail technology. Courses with relevant options include:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Beauty Therapy (optional units) 
• Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) Level 2 Certificate in Nail Treatments (endorsements in nail art and nail technology).

You can also keep up-to-date with new products and techniques by doing courses offered by manufacturers of nail products. A list of approved training centres is available from the Association of Nail Technicians (see Further Information below).

Opportunities

As a nail technician you will find job vacancies in specialist nail salons and nail bars, beauty and hairdressing salons, spas, health clubs and on cruise liners.

Once you have experience working as a nail technician you could start your own business. Your options are to own a salon, rent space in a salon or run a mobile business, which involves visiting customers’ homes.

Some nail technicians move into teaching in local or private colleges or with nail product manufacturers and/or assessing NVQs/SVQs.

You may find occasional opportunities for work with photographers, fashion designers or TV companies, preparing nails for photo shoots or fashion shows.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Nail technicians may earn from around £10,000 to around £15,000.
A highly experienced self-employed nail technician can earn up to £25,000.

Further information

Oxford House
Sixth Avenue
Sky Business Park
Robin Hood Airport
Doncaster
DN9 3GG 3rd Floor
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500 Tel: 020 7294 2800 Tel: 01322 555724